SGI Greens Newsletter – April 2025

SGI Greens Newsletter

Click here for the newsletter in PDF format, or continue reading below.
Please consider printing a 2-sided hard copy and giving it to someone that might be interested in the SGI Greens.

Sections cover Events, General Interest, and a Feature.
Links to back issues, subscribe/unsubscribe, and join the SGI Greens are at the end.

SGI Greens (Green Party of Canada) news and events:

The campaign to re-elect Elizabeth May is in full swing, rain or shine!

The 2025 election was announced on March 23. Election Day was set for April 28, for the shortest possible election period.

  • We have a campaign manager: Tim Maloney (see interview below).
  • A campaign office has been rented at 9776 Fourth Street in Sidney, and its Grand Opening on March 17 was a great success, with 80-90 people attending.
  • Several people have been hired to manage the office (Sue Ross), lead foot canvassing (Peter Salmon), lead phoning campaigns (Rani Earhart), manage communications (Jojo Beattie), and support Elizabeth (Aysha Emmerson).
  • Volunteers have put up large election signs and over 500 lawn signs.
  • A campaign website (votemay.ca) went online on March 19.

Much remains to be done – we want to knock on as many SGI doors as possible and contact others by phone. These are the best, proven methods for convincing voters for whom to vote, and to convince supporters and “fence-sitters” that they really do need to get out and vote!

We need her to help avert two potentially existential disasters:

  • Trump’s economic war on Canada and plan to annex Canada
  • Climate change getting ignored while governments are distracted by The Economy

Our Elizabeth May knows these issues like few others. Now, more than ever, Canada needs leaders with integrity, experience, and the courage to speak the truth.

 

You can support Elizabeth’s campaign now, in numerous ways:

  • Talk to neighbours, friends and relatives about why you support Elizabeth.
  • Tell “progressive” people that VOTING GREEN IS THE STRATEGIC VOTE in SGI.
    (Voting NDP or Liberal will split the progressive vote and help the Conservatives.)
  • Read the Campaign to Re-elect Elizabeth May newsletter for updates.
  • Come to the campaign office at 9776 Fourth Street in Sidney, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Show that you’re Green! Get campaign buttons and bumper stickers at the office.
  • Request a Lawn Sign  We already have well over 750 signs out and want more – to blanket the riding in Green. We will install the sign and remove it after the election.
  • Volunteer  It takes many volunteers to call supporters, knock on doors, enter data, host Kitchen Table Talks, help with signs, and many other actions.
  • Donate to the SGI Greens  Help us fund a vigorous campaign to re-elect Elizabeth!
  • VOTE, and encourage others, especially hesitant people, to VOTE!


Voting out of fear? Here’s what to tell people

Canadians rightly fear what Trump could do to Canada, and many think Mark Carney is the leader that can “stand up to Trump.” Nationally, the Liberals have seen a resurgence of support. In SGI, some Greens are fearfully thinking of “voting strategically” for the Liberals.

Here’s what progressive voters in SGI need to know (and Elizabeth wants you to share this!):

  • Liberals look strong in national polls, but in SGI the Greens are leading.
  • SGI was Conservative before, and could turn Conservative again.
    SGI turning Liberal is less likely.
  • In SGI, voting Liberal or NDP splits the progressive vote, and could allow the Conservatives to “come up the middle” and win.
  • In SGI, voting Green is the “strategic vote” to prevent a Conservative win.
  • In SGI, voting Green ensures that Elizabeth continues to keep the government accountable. This is more important than ever before. 

Campaign messages to share with others

Elizabeth May is ready to fight for environmental, social and economic justice – to find solutions that help you and your family have a better quality of life, now and in the future.

You can count on Elizabeth to stand for:

  • A Strong Canada
  • You and Your Family
  • Quality Healthcare for All
  • Affordable Living
  • Action on Climate Emergency
  • Truth and Reconciliation

How and when to Vote 

 

Feature:

Meet TIM MALONEY, 
our campaign manager for 
Saanich-Gulf Islands,
in the federal election 2025.

The campaign manager is responsible for ensuring the campaign is run effectively, and is responsible for team-building, goal-setting, liaising with the candidate, and appointing an official agent to deal with financial transactions.

EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
Tim Maloney and his younger brother were born in Regina. His father was the manager of the local co-op, and his mother the manager of a credit union. Both were involved in community activities and this is a tradition their son has continued.

Tim has fond memories of the 8 years he went to Notre Dame College and continues to be involved through various activities, including fund-raising.

CAREER
Tim graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor in Social Sciences from the University of Ottawa and spent 10 years working with challenged youth before returning home to farm with his brother and father for 6 years. Tim has held a variety of jobs including in government, the private sector, and non-profit organizations. He has spent forty years in the non-profit world, where he’s worked with others to successfully raise millions of dollars for causes that change the world.

Tim first came to Victoria in 1994 as Executive Director of the United Way, moved away for various jobs, and returned In 2005 to accept a position with The Land Conservancy of British Columbia. In 2009, he became the National Director for Mercy Ships Canada, and continued in this position until 2019. Since then, he has been active as a consultant and volunteer.

HOBBIES
Tim’s hobbies include wood-working and cooking.

FAMILY
Tim and his wife Karen enjoy a blended family of 6 children, 6 grandchildren, and 2 step-grandchildren.

AS A PERSON
Tim describes himself as an eternal optimist who rises every morning to a new day. He describes himself as having hope, taking risks, seeking harmony, but above all being kind – perfect attributes for a campaign manager, as well as a human being!

GREEN PARTY MEMBER AND SUPPORTER
Tim was inspired by Elizabeth May when he heard her speak in 2010 and has not looked back. He accepts the six principles that the Green Party is founded on: ecological wisdom, non-violence, social justice, sustainability, participatory democracy, and respect for diversity.

Asked why he accepted the challenging position of campaign manager, Tim simply responded by saying, “Because Elizabeth asked me. She told me she needed me.” Tim, Karen, and Elizabeth are close friends.

We are fortunate to have such a capable, knowledgeable person directing the campaign to get our incredible MP re-elected. Like many others, Tim feels that Canada needs Elizabeth and will do whatever he can to get her re-elected, but he needs your vote and support.

  • Interviewed by Shelagh Levey

We are still looking for a VOLUNTEER ORGANIZER for the SGI Greens EVENTS TEAM

Do you enjoy arranging events and organizing a team of eager volunteers? We are looking for a volunteer who will:

  • chair meetings to plan SGI Greens events such as the annual Summer Picnic for members, and SGI Greens’ participation in events such as the Victoria Day Parade
  • Delegate tasks to volunteers
  • Book venues for events, and provide insurance documentation
  • Order refreshments and organize volunteers to set up, serve refreshments, etc.

If you are interested in taking on this important job, or have questions about it, please reply to saanichgulfislands@greenparty.ca or call Tom Niemann at 250-857-5422.

On Being Green:

Film and Discussion Panel on March 2 

The screening of the film “Flight of the Swans” at the Star Cinema on March 2 was a great success. The SGI Greens and BC Environmental Film Festival organizers got a strong show of support for future, similar screenings followed by a panel discussion.

We hope to show the next film in May. Please help us with a little feedback:

  • How did you find out about the event? (this newsletter? posters around town? FB?)
  • What topics would be of greatest interest to you? (Global? Local? Nature? Social?)
  • Please send thoughts and ideas to: sgiedanews@gmail.com

From our readers

We always appreciate hearing from our readers! (please write to sgiedanews@gmail.com)

In short, it hardly matters which of the futures you “believe” in. No matter what you “believe” is coming, there are good reasons to push and pull in a Green direction!

I am with ya,
– ER

  • We are hoping you are serious about annexing WA, OR, CA into Canada. Trump is an insane dictator and he and his followers have effectively ruined the US and our relationship with countries that were our friends. We have always loved Canada and would be honored to be part of it. The US red states would like to get rid of us, so it would be a natural move. Please save us! Thank you!
    – from Whidbey Island, Washington